The Royal Navy of Oman's (RNO) new corvette 'Al Shamikh' was launched today (July 28) in Portsmouth Naval Base, UK, by His Highness AL Sayyed Haitham bin Tariq Al Said.
The event was also attended by the UK Minister for Defence Equipment & Support, Quentin Davies, Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al-Raisi, Commander Royal Navy of Oman and senior representatives from the Royal Navy.
This corvette, built by BVT Surface Fleet, is the first of three 99-metre vessels under Project Khareef, and is designed to meet and augment RNO operational capabilities. It has the endurance and ability to operate for long periods in high seas and the capability to embark a helicopter during deployment.
Project Khareef is considered a landmark project for the RNO and this class of vessel will be the most advanced of their type when completed. They are also believed to be the first ships ever to be built in Portsmouth Naval Base specifically for an overseas navy.
The Omani corvettes have an overall length of 99 metres, a moulded beam of 14.6 metres and a draught amidships of 4.1 metres. With a speed of 25 knots and a range of 16 knots at 3,500 nautical miles, the vessel has an endurance of 21 days at sea.
When completed and delivered, the vessels will undertake a variety of roles such as the protection of maritime areas of interests including Exclusive Economic Zones, extended surveillance patrols, special operations, search and rescue and maritime disaster relief operations.
